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The Living Rainforest

4.3
·646 reviews·Hampstead Norreys, United Kingdom

Step into a humid, tropical world filled with lush plants and fascinating creatures, including free-roaming birds and a resident sloth.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal sightings

CrowdLow
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One of our Pair of Toucan

The Living Rainforest

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal sightings

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a humid, tropical world filled with lush plants and fascinating creatures, including free-roaming birds and a resident sloth.

4.3
(646 reviews)

"A truly interesting visit with so much to see, from birds at your feet to a sloth in the heights!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Birds

Free-Roaming Birds

Throughout the glasshouses

Marvel at colorful birds flitting around your head and perching on branches, adding a dynamic element to the rainforest experience.

Cinnamon the Sloth

Cinnamon the Sloth

Open spaces

Keep an eye out for Cinnamon, the resident sloth, as she slowly makes her way through the exhibit – a truly special sighting!

Tiny Frogs

Tiny Frogs

Various terrariums

Listen for the charming chirps and search for the incredibly small, cute frogs hidden amongst the lush vegetation.

Impressive Plant Collection

Impressive Plant Collection

Glasshouses

Immerse yourself in a humid, tropical environment surrounded by a diverse and impressive array of lush rainforest plants.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your entry to The Living Rainforest by booking tickets online. This ensures you get your preferred time slot and avoids potential disappointment, especially during peak times. Advance booking is highly recommended for a smooth visit. Reddit

Allow Ample Time for Exploration

Don't rush your visit! The Living Rainforest is packed with fascinating flora and fauna. Give yourself at least an hour to fully appreciate each exhibit, spot the free-roaming animals, and enjoy the immersive atmosphere. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Animals often more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

👀 Look Up and Down!

Animals are everywhere! Keep an eye on the floor, trees, and higher branches for hidden creatures. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

Plenty of photo opportunities with unique plants and animals. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

👀 Look Up and Down!

Animals are everywhere! Keep an eye on the floor, trees, and higher branches for hidden creatures. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

Plenty of photo opportunities with unique plants and animals. Reddit

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

Don't rush; give yourself at least an hour to explore each exhibit thoroughly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(646 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Living Rainforest for its immersive atmosphere and the unique experience of seeing animals like free-roaming birds and sloths up close. The impressive plant collection and the engaging nature of the exhibits make it a worthwhile visit for all ages. Some note it's a smaller venue, best enjoyed with ample time to appreciate the details.

"Great place. Not too crowded. Well managed. Advance tickets on website. Come with ample time. Each exhibit warrants a halt. Birds on forest floor and sloth wandering about in the open make it an interesting experience. Decent gift shop and cafe. Interesting for all ages."

Amarinder Singh Brar

"We visited again today after a long time (I used to bring the kids when they were young and my middle son wanted to return years later being an animal lover!). It's always an interesting visit here and so much to see. You have to keep an eye out for the birds around your feet or amongst the trees on the floor and all around (some funny sounds they make!) The little frogs that are chirping are just so cute but you need to look out for them! The sloth was sleeping in the heights quite happily, we could just see where he was. The tortoises were entertaining as they chased each other. Always enjoy a visit here as different every time. Kids love it, with the interactive educational section and small gift shop also. A definite visit if you want something different!"

Jessica Nod

"Haven't been here for a very long time. It is a very small place but enough for a hour. Impressive plants here and a few animals. Didn't see any of the free roaming birds today but did see the sloth although not fully. Recommend especially with kids."

Mikey C

What People Like

Free-roaming animals
Impressive plant life
Engaging for kids

What People Dislike

Can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Living Rainforest is located in Thatcham. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might involve local bus routes or train to Thatcham station, followed by a taxi or a longer walk. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at The Living Rainforest, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While primarily accessible by car, visitors can reach Thatcham by train. From the station, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or consider a significant walk to get to The Living Rainforest. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance through The Living Rainforest's website. This helps secure your entry and preferred time slot, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check The Living Rainforest's official website for the most current information on opening times and any potential closures. Reddit

Ticket prices can be found on The Living Rainforest's official website. Booking in advance is often advised. Reddit

Information on potential discounts, such as for children, seniors, or group bookings, is typically available on The Living Rainforest's official website. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including free-roaming birds, tiny frogs, tortoises, and if you're lucky, Cinnamon the sloth! The focus is on creating an immersive rainforest environment. Reddit

Absolutely! Children love spotting the animals and exploring the lush plant life. There's also an interactive educational section that's great for younger visitors. Reddit

Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient for a good exploration, but you can easily spend longer if you want to take your time and observe everything closely. Reddit

The pathways within The Living Rainforest are generally well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a great place to capture unique shots of the plants and animals. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Living Rainforest has a cafe that offers refreshments and snacks. It's a decent spot to grab a bite after your exploration. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to check with The Living Rainforest directly regarding their policy on bringing outside food. Often, designated picnic areas are available if permitted. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Weekday mornings often offer softer lighting and fewer people, which can be ideal for photography. However, the indoor nature means lighting is consistent, so any time can be good for capturing the vibrant greenery and animals. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Check their website for any specific guidelines. Reddit

Expect to capture vibrant close-ups of tropical plants, colorful birds, tiny frogs, and potentially the sloth. The humid environment and lush foliage provide a rich backdrop for your photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Living Rainforest is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will be thrilled by the free-roaming birds that fly overhead and the chance to spot tiny frogs and the sloth. The interactive educational section is designed to engage young minds, making learning about rainforests an adventure. Reddit

Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's plenty to see, and encourage your children to be observant – the animals are often cleverly hidden! The cafe provides a convenient spot for a break and refreshments, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day here. Booking tickets in advance is a smart move to avoid queues and ensure a smooth family outing. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For those who appreciate biodiversity and stunning plant life, The Living Rainforest is a gem. The impressive collection of tropical plants creates a truly immersive atmosphere, perfect for photographers looking for vibrant colors and lush textures. Keep your lenses ready for the free-roaming birds and the elusive tiny frogs – capturing these can be a rewarding challenge. Reddit

The chance to see Cinnamon the sloth in a naturalistic setting is a unique draw. While animal photography requires patience, the controlled environment offers good opportunities. Consider visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, for the best light and fewer distractions. The educational aspect also appeals to those keen to learn more about rainforest ecosystems and conservation. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Discovering the Wildlife

The Living Rainforest offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of animals in a semi-naturalistic setting. Free-roaming birds are a highlight, often seen perched on branches or even walking on the forest floor, adding a dynamic and surprising element to your visit. Listen closely for their calls! You'll also want to keep an eye out for the tiny frogs, whose chirping can lead you to their hiding spots amongst the lush vegetation. These small amphibians are a testament to the biodiversity within the glasshouses. Reddit

One of the most anticipated sightings is Cinnamon the sloth. While sloths are known for their slow movements, spotting Cinnamon as she navigates the exhibit is a truly memorable experience. Patience is key, and looking up into the canopy or across open spaces might reward you with a glimpse of her. The tortoises also provide entertainment, sometimes engaging in playful chases. Reddit

Beyond the animals, the impressive plant collection is a star in itself. The humid, tropical environment is meticulously maintained, allowing you to feel truly immersed in a rainforest ecosystem. From towering ferns to exotic flowers, the botanical diversity is captivating and offers fantastic opportunities for nature photography. Reddit

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your trip to The Living Rainforest, advance ticket booking is highly recommended. This not only secures your entry but also helps manage visitor numbers, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone. Reddit

When you arrive, remember that the exhibits are designed to be explored at a leisurely pace. Allow ample time – at least an hour – to truly appreciate the details of each section. This means looking closely for the camouflaged frogs, waiting for the sloth to make an appearance, and admiring the intricate details of the plants. Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be on your feet for the duration of your visit. Reddit

For those with families, The Living Rainforest is a fantastic option. The interactive educational section is particularly engaging for children, making learning about rainforests fun and accessible. The presence of free-roaming animals also adds an element of wonder and excitement for younger visitors. Don't forget your camera, as there are countless photo opportunities to capture the vibrant life within the glasshouses. Reddit

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